The man was not carrying a gun. He left the school, encountered a counselor in the parking lot, and then left for his girlfriend's house in Harrison Township, where sheriff's deputies found him.

His visit set off a chain of events that led to the school closing before students were able to come in, said L'Anse Creuse Schools spokeswoman Kelly Allen.

"I think it was just poor judgment," said Wickersham, "going to the school dressed like that."

The district also closed the nearby Middle School Central and Graham Elementary School. As the high school students were to take the ACT today, they were moved to another building, said Allen. District officials have not said if the testing will go on as planned.